Scioto Bend Preserve
309 acres of Scioto River Floodplain & Wetlands, 2.6 Miles of River Frontage
AOA’s 309-acre Scioto Bend Preserve is located on a large bend in the Scioto River adjacent to the City of Circleville in Pickaway County. The property includes 2.62 miles of Scioto River mainstem frontage and a large island. This property is a part of AOA’s Scioto River Flyway Corridor initiative. Thousands of waterfowl typically use this flyway corridor during the early spring and fall migration periods.
The Preserve lies almost entirely within the Scioto River floodplain. However, an old levee extends the length of the property and separates the river from its floodplain. Decades of impairments to the property from clearcutting, row cropping, cattle grazing, wetland drainage and other development have diminished the natural function of the floodplain and eliminated wetlands. Floodplain restoration and new wetlands will greatly enhance the wildlife habitat available for migrating waterfowl, songbirds, bats and other species that utilize the Scioto River Flyway Corridor. Beavers, mink, muskrats, pheasants and bald eagles have also been observed on the Preserve.
AOA worked with Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. to plan and design a series of projects that would reconnect the natural floodplain to the Scioto River and restore wetlands and natural habitats on the Preserve. Phase one of this project included constructing a large breach in the levee. This breach allows the property to flood several times a year. Artificial earthen beaver dams and vernal pools were constructed to increase wetland areas and help retain floodwater. This floodwater retention improves natural filtration and removes nonpoint pollutants. Woody debris were placed in the pond and restored wetlands to create habitat and structure. Additional phases of the project will be constructed when funding is available.
Stewardship. AOA’s stewardship team has worked extensively on the Preserve to remove large debris, trash piles and cattle fencing. The team is in the process of removing about 11 miles of barbed wire and more than 1,500 steel fence posts. The team is treating and removing reed canary grass, poison hemlock, tree of heaven and other invasive species. They area also seeding proposed wetland and prairie areas with native species using prairie and wetland seed blends.